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Fees Update: Building Permit Applicants be aware
Per Island County Resolution C-65-25, the Building permit fees will be updated and effective on January 15, 2026. See updated Island County Building permit Fee Schedule here.
ATTENTION: MOST ISLAND COUNTY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, EXCEPT BY APPOINTMENT, BEGINNING DECEMBER 22, 2025 AND RE-OPENING ON JANUARY 5, 2026.
SHOULD YOU HAVE A TIME SENSITIVE MATTER, YOU MAY PHONE THE OFFICE OR DEPARTMENT NEEDED AND ARRANGE FOR AN APPOINTMENT. YOU CAN FIND THAT INFORMATION ON THE COUNTY WEBSITE AT www.islandcountywa.gov.
Island County Planning & Building Department has 35 DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) Certificates available for 2026.
Building Permit Requirements Change Effective March 1, 2024
To submit a building permit in Island County, a site registration and septic design, along with approved access permit, address, and water availability verification, will be required starting March 1, 2024. Septic Design does not require approval, but must be completed by a qualified septic designer. Permits without these items will not be accepted for submittal.
2021 Building Codes Effective March 15, 2024
Implementation has been delayed because of the adoption of the 2021 Building Codes. The 2021 Building Code will be implemented on March 15, 2024.
Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code Updates
Notice: Implementation of the Wildland Urban Interface Code (WUI) has been put on hold by the State Building Code Council (SBCC). Implementation of the updated WUI code is expected to occur in late 2025 at the earliest.
An emergency rule for action to delay WUI implementation was adopted by the SBCC at their Council Meeting on March 15, 2024. The reason for this change was due to passage of the bipartisan bill ESB 6120. The bill requires the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to create new maps based on hazard and risk in cooperation with local jurisdictions.
Unfortunately, there is no definite time frame for when updated maps will be completed to share with the county, but the best available information is that it will take at least a year and a half, occurring in late 2025 at the earliest.
When complete, local jurisdictions will have six months to adopt a variation of those maps at a local level with the ability to modify maps in coordination with jurisdictions throughout the state.
Reminder
All roof-covering projects, new and replacement, require a building permit.
Flood Development Application Meetings
Flood Development Pre-Application Meetings are required prior to Building Permit submittal. Meetings will be held in person, or virtual, from 10-11 AM, Tuesdays on Whidbey Island and Fridays on Camano Island. All time slots are first-come, first-served. Email Vicki Mertins or call 360-678-7869 to schedule a conference. Click here for FDP application and FDP Checklist for submittal.
You may also submit Flood Development Permits digitally by email to Buildingdept@islandcountywa.gov.
Building Inspection Requests
- All Building Inspection requests must be made through the Island County Public Portal.
- All Building Inspection Results are available through your Public Portal account.
- If you are experiencing issues with your Public Portal account, please contact us at 360-679-7339
- The preference for Building Inspection Requests is the Public Portal. If you are having issues and cannot reach us for assistance, you may send your inspection request by email.
New Single Family Residence (SFR), new Accessory Structure Building Permits, and solar racking are now being accepted via our online Public Portal as well as in person.
Building Permit Submittal Requirements
General Requirements
- (2) Completed Building Permit Application (in ink with size 8 font minimum)
- (2) Two sets/copies of Building Plans (to scale)
- (2) Two sets/copies of Engineering and / or Structural Plans, if applicable
- Completed Washington State Energy Code Worksheet
- Plot Plan, no larger than 11 inches by 17 inches and to a standard engineering scale
Single Family Residence
- A Copy of the Approved Access Permit
- Address Application
- Approved Septic Permit / As Built or Applicable Sewer District Connection Certificate
- Approved WAV (Water Availability Verification Form)
New Construction (Garage / Shop Etc.) on a Vacant Parcel
- If Proposing Plumbing: Copy of the Approved WAV
- If Proposing Plumbing: Approved Septic Permit or Applicable Sewer District Certificate
- If Proposing Heat: WA State Energy Code Worksheet
- Approved Access Permit
Note: Garage / Shop on parcels under 2.5 acres without a residence are restricted to 800 square feet
- What are the hours for submittal?
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Building Permit Applications are accepted until 2 pm.
- How do I apply for an address?
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You can apply via U.S. Mail or in person at the Planning Department front counter in the Coupeville office or at the Camano Annex.
Along with the Completed Application, the following shall be provided:
- Approved Access Permit
Issued by Public Works 360-679-7331 approving the driveway onto a County road, OR Department of Transportation 360-757-5964 or 360-848-7230. When it is the first access onto the HWY. - Map
An Aerial photo, or plot plan showing the accurate lot configuration. On this map indicate the Approved Access Point/Driveway and any applicable easements. - Fee
$67.98 (made payable to Island County Planning) - Building and/or Septic Permit numbers
- Approved Access Permit
- Do I need a Licensed Contractor or am I able to do the work myself?
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A Washington State Licensed Contractor is required. And yes, you are able to do the work yourself, however an Owner / Contractor Form must be signed by the Owner and submitted with the Building Permit Application.